I tried to avoid it until quite recently; but since we belong to the same circles, and since I agree with the views of this family--that is, at least in theory-- MAGDA. Yes, yes. Let me look at you, my poor friend. How you have changed! VON KELLER. [_Laughing nervously_.] I seem to have the misfortune to make a rather absurd figure in your eyes. MAGDA. No, oh, no! I can see it all. The effort to keep worthy of respect under such difficulties, with a bad conscience, is awkward. You look down from the height of your pure atmosphere on your sinful youth,--for you are called a pillar, my dear friend. VON KELLER. [_Looking at the door_.] Pardon me--I can hardly accustom myself again to the affectionate terms. And if any one should hear us-- Would it not be better-- MAGDA. [_Sadly_.] Let them hear us. VON KELLER. [_At the door_.] Good Heavens! Well [_sitting down again_], as I was saying, if you knew with what real longing I look back from this height at my gay, discarded youth-- MAGDA. [_Half to herself_.] So gay,-- yes, so gay. VON KELLER. Well, I felt myself called to higher things. I thought-- Why should I undervalue my position? I have become Councillor, and that comparatively young. An ordinary ambition might take satisfaction in that. But one sits and waits at home, while others are called to the ministry. And this environment, conventionality, and narrowness, all is so gray,--gray! And the ladies here--for one who cares at all about elegance--I assure you something rejoiced within me when I read this morning that you were the famous singer,--you to whom I was tied by so many dear memories and-- MAGDA. And then you thought whether it might not be possible with the help of these dear memories to bring a little color into the gray background? VON KELLER. [_Smiling_.] Oh, pray don't-- MAGDA. Well, between old friends-- VON KELLER. Really, are we that, really? MAGDA. Certainly, _sans rancune_. Oh, if I took it from the other standpoint, I should have to range the whole gamut,--liar, coward, traitor! But as I look at it, I owe you nothing but thanks, my friend. VON KELLER. [_Pleased, but confused_.] This is a view which-- MAGDA.